The 6.6 magnitude quake is believed to be one of the strongest to hit the country in 36 years, destroying or damaging many historic buildings and churches.

There are no reports of deaths because most fragile city centers had already been closed due to previous damage, and many homes had been vacated. More than 15,000 people have been displaced by quakes over the past week.

The worst damage was reported in Norcia, a town in Umbria closest to the epicenter.

Several churches there were destroyed, including the 14th century Basilica of St. Benedict, built on the traditional birthplace of St. Benedict, founder of the Benedictine monastic order; and the Cathedral of St. Mary Argentea, known for its 15th century frescoes.

Large sections of Norcia's ancient Roman city walls, which suffered damage and cracks in the previous quakes, crumbled into rubble along with towers.

This marks the third powerful earthquake to hit Italy in two months. Numerous tremors have followed the original quake that killed nearly 300 people on August 24.

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